| http://www.kic.net.cn Shanghai to Form Its First Cleantech International Innovation Centre Leading International Cleantech and VC Organizations Settled at KIC Shanghai, September 25, 2008 — As the sub-forum of the 3rd International Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Refuse, Recycling and Natural Energy Sources (IFAT China 2008), the “Cleantech and Venture Capital” forum held today at the Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in Shanghai, marked Shanghai’s first step in establishing a Cleantech International Innovation Centre. More than 100 Cleantech related companies and over 30 Chinese and oversea venture capital representatives attended this forum. This event marked the establishment of a partnership between KIC and the Nordic Cleantech firm INTEGNOR OY, to establish the Nordic Center, which will be a key site for international energy-conservation and environmental protection companies at the forefront of the Cleantech industry in Shanghai. Another highlight included the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between the Shanghai Environment Energy Exchange and the Green Star Fund, one of the world’s largest energy saving and emission reduction focused funds. The “Cleantech and Venture Capital” forum provides a platform for domestic small- and medium-sized energy-saving and Cleantech enterprises to communicate and cooperate with international Cleantech counterparts and VC organizations. “KIC is trying to build the effective connection between enterprise and capital, technology and market,” said Mr. Hui Shing Sun, executive director, Shui On Development Limited, “This will make a substantial contribution to driving sustainable economic growth in China.” Key elements for forming Cleantech International Innovation Centre In the fields of energy saving, emission reduction and Cleantech, Shanghai’s Yangpu District is a hub dotted with noted scientific research institutions comprised of more than 400 scholars and experts. KIC is also surrounded by more than 10 well-known universities, including Fudan and Tongji, which provides access to strong, educated talent to help drive the Cleantech industry. The Cleantech International Innovation Centre aims to build up four public service platform, including technology, environmental resource trading, capital access, and international cooperation platform..KIC, which is positioned as China’s Silicon Valley, features a strong international network and close partnerships with well-known Cleantech centers and VC organizations from the San Francisco Bay Area, Australia and Europe. One example can be seen that KIC is teaming up with the Yangpu District government to welcome European tech company INTEGNOR OY, introducing Cleantech related enterprises and agencies and provide them with one-stop innovative services. Multi-Faceted, Government Support High investment, a long cycle for returns and a large societal impact make Cleantech an industry that benefits significantly from government support. As a “knowledge innovation zone,” Yangpu District distinctly indicated in its Five-Year Plan that green and energy-saving industries will become key sectors for development of the knowledge-oriented, efficient, modern services industry. In compliance with this goal, the Yangpu District government is working to establish policies that are support the industry’s development. In addition to policy orientation, the Chinese government is directly participating in the establishment of the Cleantech VC Fund in a bid to promote market-oriented operations. KIC also assists in the government-sponsored Cleantech Capital Fund, seeking to market opportunities and directly investing in relevant Cleantech programs. ### |